Storm-ravaged Costa Maya Will Reopen in July

It's official: The popular port of Costa Maya will be back on cruise itineraries starting this summer.

The storm-ravaged Mexican destination announced plans today to reopen in July with two fully functional berthing spaces, and it also said all the major lines that have called there in the past have committed to return.

Hurricane Dean pummeled the fast-growing cruise hideaway last August, causing extensive damage to its pier and facilities. At first it looked like the destination wouldn't reopen until this coming September, but by January officials were expressing confidence that they could reopen by summer. Today's announcement sets a specific month and confirms that major lines will return.

Among the lines that Costa Mayan officials say have agreed to return are Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Holland America, Disney and Cunard.

Officials say the rebuilt piers will be capable of handing the industry's biggest cruise ships, including Royal Caribbean's record-setting, 5,400-passenger Genesis vessels debuting in 2009. Officials also announced that a third berth would open at Costa Maya by November.